Kenyan Felix Kibet sues X, alleges promotion of hate speech

Kenyan petitioner Felix Kibet has initiated a lawsuit against X, formerly Twitter, alleging that the platform facilitates hate speech, incitement to violence, and societal harm. Kibet argues that the lack of content regulation on X violates Kenya’s 2010 Constitution, undermining individual rights and public morality.

In his petition, Kibet claims that X allows the dissemination of content that disrespects the rights and reputations of individuals. He emphasizes that the platform’s failure to monitor offensive material has fostered an environment conducive to societal harm. “The petitioner avers that the 1st respondent (X) permits, encourages, and promotes harmful content, contravening Articles 10 and 19 (3) of the Constitution,” the petition states.

Kibet also raises concerns about anonymous accounts, asserting that they facilitate misuse and impersonation. He is seeking a court order to compel X to remove offensive content, suspend anonymous accounts, and implement stricter oversight of features like Spaces.

The case has been certified as urgent by High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye, with a hearing set for January 17, 2025. Kibet aims for a permanent injunction against X to prevent the publication of harmful content, including hate speech.

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